Crossing the border with Blue Jays beat reporter Jordan Bastian.

Game 36: New York at Toronto pregame

For the past few years, Scott Downs has cited superstition when asked to do formal interviews with us scribes. He’d chat outside of that type of setting, always friendly, but said that talking to reporters was bad luck.

Now, if this was Downs’ only “superstition” it might have been a bit much. But he does have some other odd things he does. Racing Brian Tallet from the outfield to the clubhouse — we’re talking a dead sprint — after each BP. Placing his Red Bull can in the same spot in the dugout before every game, moving a “No Reporters Beyond This Point” sign down the third-base line every day. The list goes on.

Today, Downs agreed to be interviewed after news came out yesterday that he’d remain the closer after B.J. Ryan returned from the disabled list. Downs did throw us off right from the get go, though. When approached, he said “Ahhh, only if it’s NOT about closing.” Ummm, we proceeded with caution and turns out he was just kidding.

“In my eyes, he’s still our closer,” Downs said of Ryan. “I’m just filling in until he’s ready to go.”

As for finally being trusted with such an important job after a career that has seen him go from a starter, to a long reliever/spot starter, to one of the game’s top setup men, Downs said:

“It just goes with hard work and timing. It’s really timing. I don’t consider myself a closer. I dont think I ever will. I never would’ve looked at myself as a setup guy, either. I’m just kind of a guy that’s going to go out there and pitch when asked to pitch — that’s what I’m here to do and what I love to do.”

Ryan is scheduled to throw again tonight with Class A Dunedin and could be back before Monday. Ricky Romero is scheduled to start tonight for Double-A New Hampshire and could be back soon, though there is no timetable yet. Casey Janssen logged six innings last night in his fourth Minor League start, and no timetable for him, either. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back during the White Sox series, but no one has said that will be the case. He could very well have one more Minors outing to complete.

Sorry about Garryguy, indigo. I still don’t know what happened to everyone else.
I think Scott was trying to throw too hard, and missed his location. He should watch some Mike Mussina video. The guy was a master at slowing it down when he got in trouble. Oh well, 2 down, 15 to go against The Evil Empire, and help is on the way!

I heard that Hill is ok… great news there. I’m curious on whom some of you think is the team’s M.V.P. thus far ?
I think you can make a pretty strong arguement on Aaron Hill. Heading down for tonight’s game, can’t wait!

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